A career page should do more than list open positions. It should help the right applicants understand what the company is like, what is expected, and whether they can see themselves working there.
When the page is too generic, vague, or focused only on requirements, strong candidates may leave without ever applying. A better career page gives people enough information to make an informed decision before they submit a resume.
Show what it is actually like to work there
Applicants want more than a mission statement. Give them a realistic sense of the work environment, team, pace, and culture.
Use real photos of the workplace and staff when possible. Explain how the team works together, what the day to day environment feels like, and what employees can expect from leadership.
If the business is fast paced, highly collaborative, flexible, structured, customer facing, or independent, say that clearly. The goal is to attract people who will genuinely fit the environment.
Make the job expectations clear
A vague job description can bring in a large number of applicants who are not right for the role.
Clearly explain the responsibilities, schedule, location, experience required, physical requirements if applicable, and any qualifications that are truly necessary.
Also separate what is required from what would simply be helpful. Candidates should be able to tell whether they are a realistic fit without guessing.
Explain what the employee gets in return
Applicants are evaluating the company just as much as the company is evaluating them.
Include the information that matters when someone is deciding whether to apply. That may include compensation or a salary range, benefits, schedule flexibility, paid time off, training, advancement opportunities, bonuses, employee discounts, or other meaningful perks.
Avoid filling the page with vague phrases such as “great culture” or “competitive pay.” Specific information is much more useful.
Let the right employees tell the story
Employee testimonials can make the career page feel much more credible, especially when they explain something specific about the experience.
Instead of a quote that simply says, “I love working here,” ask employees what they enjoy about the team, what surprised them when they joined, how they have grown, or what makes the company different from previous workplaces.
Short videos, photos with quotes, or employee spotlights can also help applicants see the people behind the business.
Make it easy to understand the hiring process
Applicants should know what happens after they apply.
Explain whether there will be a phone screening, interview, skills assessment, background check, working interview, or second meeting. If the process usually takes a certain amount of time, let applicants know.
This reduces uncertainty and can also cut down on follow up emails asking about next steps.
Make applying simple
The application process should match the role.
If you only need a resume and a few basic details, do not make someone complete a twenty minute form. If additional questions are important for screening, make sure each one has a clear purpose.
Test the process on a phone as well. A qualified candidate should not give up because the application is difficult to complete on mobile or requires information they do not have readily available.
Your career page is often one of the first places a potential employee experiences your business. The way it is written and organized sends a message about how the company communicates, what it values, and how thoughtfully it treats the people considering joining the team.
A clear, honest, and useful career page can help the right applicants feel more confident about applying while giving people who are not a good fit enough information to recognize that before they enter the hiring process.
